More than two years ago, New York City released the NYC Green Infrastructure Plan, which presents an alternative approach to improving water quality that integrates “green infrastructure,” such as swales and green roofs, with investments to optimize the existing system and build targeted, cost-effective infrastructure. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies have been working in a variety of projects to achieve those goals. (Read more about the plan on the DEP’s website.)
Margot Walker, director of capital planning and partnerships, in DEP’s Office of Green Infrastructure outlined the scope of the program at the Park Slope Civic Council’s Trustees Meeting on Jan. 3. Her presentation included information on budgeting, location of projects, and the design and siting process for bioswales (small green spaces that capture storm water and help prevent flooding, such as the one at Dean Street and Fourth Avenue).
She also discussed other green projects, such as Stormwater Greenstreets and collaborative projects with other city agencies (e.g., the New York City Housing Authority, the Health Health and Hospitals Corporation, and the Departments of Transportation and Education), where porous paving and rain gardens were being created through a retrofit process.
Even though there are no new requests for proposals for public-space projects — close to $200 million worth of projects are in the pipeline — Walker reminded meeting attendees that there was still time to apply for funding for private Green Infrastructure projects (learn more and see the online application here).
You can download Walker’s full presentation (in two parts) here and here.